An Interview With Folk Singer-Songwriter COMRAD About His Latest EP and More!

The folk singer-songwriter, Comrad recently released his debut EP, 10 Feet Away.

This collection was written completely, from start to finish, by Comrad. The EP was produced at Fireplace Studios in Manhattan, New York by producer Josh Sadlier-Brown (Featurette, Parson James, Kae Sun).

The man behind Comrad, Arthur Revechkis, began writing music in college but only started to really focus on his music more recently. Ever since then, Revechkis has been perfecting the lyrics and sound of the project he now calls Comrad.

The Connecticut based artist writes music that is unique in the lyrics and melodies; he likes to write lyrics that tell a narrative and are funny, sweet and even sarcastic at times. Revechkis draws influences from artists like Tom Petty, Kansas, Paul Simon, Ani Difranco, Dave Matthews, Bill Evans and Regina Spektor and incorporates a taste of each in his music. The Connecticut native is a man of many trades, fully composing and writing his music while also playing the guitar and piano.

 Learn more about Comrad in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time! Now that 2016 is over, what are some words you would use to describe the year?

I found myself in a constant state of waiting last year. Personally, professionally and globally.

What were some of the highlights for you? What are you most excited about for 2017?

Getting my EP out was definitely a highlight.  It’s been a long time in the making, so it was nice to see the response from people.  I’m excited about playing some shows and getting a full album out in 2017.

Growing up, did you always want to be a musician? Can you recall your earliest musical memory?

I don’t think I did always want to be a musician.  I’m not sure I thought it was a realistic goal.  Maybe my earliest memory was watching MTV and seeing Madonna’s “Like A Prayer” video.  Thriller also had a big impression on me early on.

Why did you decide not to use your real name, Arthur? How did you come up with Comrad?

Back in the days of aol instant messanger, my handle was always Comradarthur, from when I was 14 probably.  I was born in Russia, so it was always a part of my history.  Comrad seemed like a logical choice.

You recently released your debut EP, “10 Feet Away.” What did that feel like? What was the inspiration behind this collection of songs?

It felt really great honestly.  It took a lot of time and energy.  I had been wanting to get something released for a very long time so it was a big accomplishment for me.

How long have you been working on these songs?

These songs range from being written over ten years ago (80 Proof Waltz) to being written just in time for the EP (Flying cars).  In general there’s a big range between how fast I finish a song.  I have songs I’ve been working on for years and some I finish in an afternoon.

Who are you listening to these days?

Felice Brothers, Homeboy Sandman, Marty O’reilly, anything Nico Segal is involved in.

What artists have continued to inspire you all and your music?

I love Paul Simon. I go back to his music very often.

Who would you absolutely love to work with in the future?

I’d love to work with Nico Segal.

At the end of the day, what do you hope your fans take away from your music? What do you hope is the message of your songs?

I hope they walk away with a pretty melody, some lyrics that stick with them and ideally a happier mood then they had before listening.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers about yourselves and your music?

I’m really looking forward to getting out and playing some shows this year and finishing a full length album.  I hope I see a lot of you guys along the way.  Thanks for letting me do this interview, I very much appreciate it!